Benchmark Hospitality International, a leading U.S.-based hospitality management company, has appointed David Friedberg director of sales & marketing for Bonaventure Resort & Spa, a Benchmark Resort? located in Fort Lauderdale. Charles Reece, Benchmark’s general manager at the resort, made the announcement.
“It is a pleasure to welcome David to Bonaventure,” said Mr. Reece. “He brings impressive sales and leadership skills to our resort, along with strong corporate and industry contacts. We look forward to his active leadership of our sales and marketing department, and to his playing an important role within our property’s executive team.”
David Friedberg was most recently director of sales for The Kalahari Resort of Sandusky, Ohio, the largest resort and convention center under one roof in the Midwestern U.S. Previous to this, Mr. Friedberg held several sales & marketing leadership positions within Marriott Hotels and Resorts. These included serving as director of sales and marketing for the Saddlebrook Marriott in Saddle Brook, New Jersey, the Marriott East Side in New York City, and for both the Crystal Gateway and Crystal City Marriott hotels in Arlington, Virginia.
Additionally, Mr. Friedberg was director of sales strategy and support for Marriott International’s Lodging Sales Division, in which he provided strategic direction for sales leaders throughout the organization’s network. While at Marriott’s corporate headquarters, he also led the sales training programming for the company’s Senior Living Division.
Mr. Friedberg founded the Marriott Toastmasters and created the company’s Golden Circle, a recognition program based on individuals exceeding specific goals, which was integrated into every Marriott located in North America. He began his hospitality career working in hotel sales and marketing for the storied Waldorf=Astoria in New York City.
An outstanding speaker and seminar leader, Mr. Friedberg has placed at #2 in the International Toastmasters competition. He has delivered keynote speeches and training workshops to a variety of organizations, including the International Radio and Television Society and the United States Leadership Postal Forum. Friedberg is a graduate of Florida International University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Management. He resides in Fort Lauderdale.